Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small red bell pepper (sliced); 1 small yellow bell pepper (sliced); 1/2 small red onion (sliced); 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (cooked and drained); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that can rival your favorite restaurant’s specialty, Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta will absolutely thrill your taste buds. This dish is a glorious fusion of juicy shrimp, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious cream sauce with just the right Cajun kick. The result? An irresistible plate of pasta that’s as eye-catching as it is comforting, perfect for a weeknight treat or your next dinner party. Whether you’re a spice lover or someone who just wants a bowl of something deeply satisfying, this creamy pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet bold ingredient list. Everything you need is easy to find, but each item adds an essential note to the symphony—spice, sweetness, richness, or color—that makes this pasta truly special.

Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a sweet, succulent bite and soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1/2 lb, cut into strips): Chicken adds protein and substance, balancing the shrimp for a heartier meal.
Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): This blend is the flavor engine of the recipe, delivering spice and boldness with every bite.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the protein to golden perfection and imparts a subtle richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Melts into the sauce, ensuring creaminess and silky texture.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends fragrant warmth that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
Red bell pepper (1 small, sliced): Gives the dish vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Yellow bell pepper (1 small, sliced): Adds more color contrast and subtle flavor depth.
Red onion (1/2 small, sliced): Brings a pop of lovely color and a gentle hint of sharpness.
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the lush, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Ensures the sauce isn’t too thick and ties all the flavors together.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Delivers a nutty, savory zing and melts perfectly into the sauce.
Fettuccine or penne pasta (8 oz, cooked and drained): Pick your favorite shape; these are sturdy enough to hold up to the rich sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the bold flavors.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Finishes everything with a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Proteins

Start by patting the shrimp and chicken dry. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat them generously. This step ensures every bite is packed with that signature smoky, spicy flavor before these proteins even hit the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through. When they need a break, remove them to a plate and set aside—they’ll rejoin the party soon.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

With the same hot skillet, add the shrimp (you can add a touch more oil if the pan looks dry). Let them sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re beautifully pink and plump. Pull them out as soon as they’re opaque to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Lower the heat to medium and melt in the butter. Toss in your minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté everything together for around 3 to 4 minutes, letting those bright veggies soften and the kitchen fill with gorgeous aromas. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning for even more flavor depth.

Step 5: Make That Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the veggies. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring gently as it melts and transforms the liquid into a glossy, dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Add your cooked pasta, seared chicken, and shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything to coat in that glorious Cajun cream sauce. Let everything heat through for another minute or so, then season the dish to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta onto plates or into warm bowls. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for that restaurant-style finish, and dive in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add extra Parmesan shavings or even a light dusting of Cajun seasoning on top. This not only boosts the dish’s color and elegance, it freshens up every forkful with bright herbal notes.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and hearty, so pairing it with something crisp is a great idea. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess, while a side of warm, crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the luxurious Cajun sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, turn this into a family-style main by serving your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta in a big, colorful platter. Individual pasta bowls work just as well for a more upscale dinner. You might even try serving smaller portions in martini glasses or ramekins as part of a party spread—guests will love the playful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as dreamy and satisfying.

Freezing

While this dish is at its creamy best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month; just know that the sauce may separate a bit due to the cream content, so a gentle reheat is best.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. If you’re using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid any uneven spots.

FAQs

What type Main Course

Any store-bought Cajun blend will do the trick, but if you have a homemade mix, that’s even better! Just adjust for saltiness and spiciness, as brands can vary widely in their heat levels.

Can I make this pasta less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply use less Cajun seasoning or look for a mild blend. You can also add a splash of cream at the end to soften the heat without losing that irresistible flavor.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Definitely. Fettuccine or penne are both fantastic because they hold the sauce well, but you could also use rigatoni, linguine, or even spaghetti if that’s what’s in your pantry.

Can I make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can. Prepare everything right up until the final toss with the pasta, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

What should I do if my sauce becomes too thick?

If your sauce tightens up while sitting, just stir in a bit more chicken broth or even pasta water until it thins to your preferred velvety consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited to try Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta as I am to recommend it. There’s something about the combination of spicy, creamy, and savory that never fails to brighten up any meal. Gather your friends or family, dish up a big bowl, and get ready for lots of happy forks clinking—this one’s a total keeper!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and flavorful dinner with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta recipe. It combines succulent shrimp and tender chicken in a rich and spicy Cajun cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and is surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken:

1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small red bell pepper (sliced)
1 small yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 small red onion (sliced)

For the Creamy Sauce and Pasta:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (cooked and drained)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp and Chicken: Season the shrimp and chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add the chicken, and cook until browned and cooked through.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, then set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, bell peppers, and onion. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, cream, and broth. Simmer and melt in Parmesan cheese.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta, chicken, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to combine, season, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.